for George Floyd

George, the air today is charged with light.

I breathe and hear your words seeking breath.

Because I can walk, can breathe, I push

uphill the hard way, steep and close

with rocks, tight as my throat, closed and angry

with words I can’t find the voice to say.

Instead I speak your name to silent stone

older than law or hate. I say your name

to the fierce living wind, sing your name

like birdsong in waving grass. I give

your name to the endless sky that holds

this weeping world spinning in black,

star filled space.